Boating fan sets sale, opens marine supply store

Mark Cotter has finally found his niche.
Cotter, who has been boating since first grade, saw a need for a marine supply store in Denver.
“The local traffic is tired of having to go to Charlotte or Cornelius,” he said.
After doing everything from real estate to working at Lowe’s, Cotter opened Four Season Marine Supply several weeks ago.
Floats hang from the walls, and lifejackets and water skis are just a few of the things on display.
The store offers everything from recreational items, marine supplies, electronics such as depth finders and custom graphics for boat registration.
Anything he does not have, he will order, he said.
Located across from Westport Marine on N.C. 16, Cotter said he is in the perfect location.
“We had a lot of pre-opening traffic, people came in and browsed,” he said.
With residents preparing for the boating season, Cotter said cleaners and waxes are very popular right now.
“Everyone is restoring their boats, getting ready to go out,” he said.
Once boating season begins, Cotter said he predicts lifejackets and water toys will be the top selling items.
When it is the off-season, Cotter said he will order in a supply of nautical gifts. He is also going to focus on the sale of his commercial signs, which cost from $30 to $50 depending on the size.
Most sign companies do it for $40 to $50, Cotter said.
The store even did the sign outside the building.
Cotter’s goal is to expand the store in a couple of years to make for a larger building. He also hopes to possibly expand to other areas. Four Season Marine Supply is located at 575 N.C. 16 North, Denver. For more information call 704-489-8242. by Amy Wadsworth